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Soccer

Australian Soccer Authorities Urge Players to Report Abuse After Goal-Scorer's Allegations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Australia's national women's soccer team star, Lisa De Vanna, has publicly alleged that she was groomed and harassed by senior players early in her career, sparking calls for victims to come forward with formal complaints. De Vanna's allegations follow a scandal in the US Women's National Soccer League, where a coach was fired and investigations launched after two former players accused him of harassment.

De Vanna, who played 150 games for Australia and was second on the list of all-time scorers for the women's national team, said she first experienced harassment and abuse in 2001, when she was 17 years old. She was pulled down from behind by several teammates and "fought my way off the floor kicking and screaming." De Vanna went public with her allegations in the wake of the US scandal, where the National Women's Soccer League called off games and its commissioner quit amid allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lisa De Vanna, a star player for Australia's national women's soccer team, has alleged that she was groomed and harassed by senior players early in her career.
  • De Vanna's allegations follow a scandal in the US Women's National Soccer League, where a coach was fired and investigations launched after two former players accused him of harassment.
  • De Vanna said she was pulled down from behind by several teammates in 2001, when she was 17 years old, and "fought my way off the floor kicking and screaming."
  • Football Australia has met with De Vanna and "heard her grievances" but the specific allegation was not raised at the meeting.
  • The national players' union, Professional Footballers Australia, has expressed concern over the allegations and encouraged players to come forward with formal complaints.

Statistics:

  • De Vanna played 150 games for Australia's women's national team.
  • De Vanna was second on the list of all-time scorers for the women's national team with 47 goals.
  • The US Women's National Soccer League called off games and its commissioner quit amid allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct.
  • 2001: The year De Vanna first experienced harassment and abuse in the national women's squad.

Sources:

  • Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper
  • AP news wire
  • The Athletic (Riley's response to allegations)
  • National Players' Union, Professional Footballers Australia, statement
  • Football Australia statement

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